Brief aan Héloïse Bernard-Bodin Possibly 1896 - 1897

This handwritten letter was composed by the French artist Emile Bernard in 1896. It is a utilitarian object, made with the most readily available materials: paper and ink. The material qualities of this letter are critical to understanding its social context. The letter’s lines and curves reflect the personality of the writer. The act of handwriting itself speaks to a pre-digital age, where personal correspondence was a slower, more intimate process. Consider the labor involved; the sourcing of materials, the physical act of writing, and the postal system required to deliver it. Each step represents human effort, connecting Bernard to a network of individuals and systems. The letter bears witness to daily life, and the logistical realities of travel and communication at the end of the 19th century. Looking closely at materials and making, we can appreciate how even a simple letter is embedded with layers of social and cultural significance. It challenges our perception of value, asking us to consider the worth of everyday objects and experiences.